Sultan becomes member of the Academy of Sciences of Lisbon

05/10/2013

H.H. Dr. Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, yesterday (Thursday) became a member of the Academy of Sciences of Lisbon (Academia das Ciencias de Lisboa) and was awarded the medal of the academy in a special ceremony during his current visit to Portugal.

A host of scholars, diplomats and politicians, and the academy officials were present at the ceremony.

In his speech at the ceremony, H.H Sheikh Sultan expressed thanks and appreciation to the academy for inviting him to join its membership.

He noted that Europe built on the knowledge and wisdom of the Arab scholars and philosophers in Andalusia, Eastern Mediterranean and beyond, and expanded the boundaries of knowledge in all disciplines.

He also noted that after the Portuguese conquered Hormuz Island in the 16th century, they had full control of the trade between India and Europe passing through the Arabian Gulf, adding that their presence in the region for 150 years was, however, positive as it contributed to development, promotion of science, navigation and seamanship, the expansion into the New World as well as to the strong exchange between the different cultures.

Noting that the British also had presence on the Arabian Gulf coasts for 150 years, H.H Sheikh Sultan Al Qasimi said that history had again taught the peoples of the region that empires come and go and that only deep-rooted empires which seek to promote freedom, justice and dignity for all remain.

While in Lisbon, H.H Sheikh Sultan visited the New University of Lisbon (UNL - Universidade NOVA de Lisboa) and the Classical University of Lisbon (ULisboa).

Sheikh Sultan visit to Portugal is aimed at supporting academic cooperation and student and faculty exchange between Portuguese universities and the Sharjah-based universities.

During his visit, H.H Sheikh Sultan met with the Portuguese Secretary of State of Higher Education, Jose Ferreira Gomes, the rector of the university, Antonio Rendas, and the president of the Academy of Sciences of Lisbon, Prof. Luis Aires-Barros, deans of colleges and members of the faculty of the university.